Computer-based courses come to Cornell By Beth Goelzer Lyons CIT's Technology Training Services (TTS) has signed a three-year agreement with CBT Systems to provide interactive, computer-based training courses to the Cornell community. The courses will be available beginning July 6 to anyone who has an Internet connection, a valid Network ID and a Windows Pentium computer running Windows 95 or NT. CBT Systems courses cover computer applications, operating systems, programming languages and networking technologies. Users can either download courses to their computer or take them online through CBTWeb, which is the web-based method for accessing CBT Systems courses. Because every course has the same look and feel, it is easy to move from course to course. Pre-tests can help users determine which courses to take.

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"By bringing the courses to your own computer, CBTWeb lets you takes the courses you want, when you want, and to do the work at your own pace," said Pat Harbachuk, CIT technology trainer. "You can learn new skills or update skills you already have." Each course includes simulations of the actual software so users can get valuable, realistic practice. Topics that a user already knows or doesn't need can be skipped, allowing users to create a personalized training plan. At the end of a course or curriculum, users can assess their skills by taking a test. For students and faculty and staff members, 30 end-user CBT Systems titles are offered on Internet skills, Microsoft Office 95 and 97, Windows 95 and NT 4.0. There is no fee for these courses. TTS also has several Personal Training Systems (PTS) Macintosh titles on FileMaker, Microsoft and Adobe products that will offered at select CIT computer labs at scheduled times throughout the academic year. These titles are also available at no charge. Cornell's technology support professionals can use CBT Systems courses to gain technical training and prepare for Microsoft and Novell certification tests. "CBT and the vendors develop the courseware together. So what you're getting is the ability to take vendor-authorized courses when it's convenient for you," explained Sharon Sledge, TTS manager. Over 200 professional titles are available, covering C/C++, INFORMIX, IntranetWare/NetWare 4.11, Java, Microsoft, Netscape, Oracle, web administration and Windows NT 4.0. In addition, for one year only, TTS is offering CBT courses on Internet and intranet infrastructure, Microsoft Visual Basic 5.0, network management and security, routed network protocols, UNIX and WAN technology. After August 30, there will be a nominal fee to access the professional titles. For more information about computer training opportunities or the CBT Systems program, visit the TTS web site. This article also appeared in the 18 June 1998 Cornell Chronicle.